When you visit the town of Auxerre, you will be surprised by the number of places to see and activities to do. This commune of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is an important tourist area because of its sites, but also because of its proximity to a renowned vineyard.
Auxerre, a town in Burgundy to know
Located not far from the Parisian Basin, in the department of Yonne, the town of Auxerre is well worth a visit. Built on top of a slightly elevated hill, the town bears the traces of the civilizations that succeeded one another. You will notably discover there vestiges of the passage of the Gallo-Romans or the Franks.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Auxerre took on great importance. The monuments dating from these periods have earned it the title of "City of Art and History" since 1995. During your visit, you will appreciate the Saint Germain abbey or the chapel of the Ursuline convent.
In Auxerre, you will be able to stroll in the many green areas around. To mention only the Museum Park, near the Natural History Museum of the commune. The square of Roscoff, on the former site of a monastery on the banks of the Yonne, is also worth a visit.
The town is famous for its museums. In the museum of Saint-Germain, installed in the eponymous abbey, collections dating back to prehistory will arouse the curiosity of history lovers. They date from the Gallo-Roman and medieval periods. In the Maison de l'Eau et de l'Environnement, you will learn the different techniques for preserving the environment.
Auxerre, a town surrounded by vineyards
The town of Auxerre has an exceptional wine-growing heritage. In the centre of the town, you will find the Clos de la Chaînette. This production area is at the heart of a psychiatric hospital. Some patients take part in the elaboration of white and red wines recognized all over the world.
In the surroundings, you will also see the Auxerrois vineyard. Located in the south-east of the commune, the production area has 2 communal controlled appellations of origin (AOC): Irancy and Saint-Bris. In addition, it has 3 regional appellations: Burgundy Côte d'Auxerre, Burgundy Coulanges-la-Vineuse and Burgundy-Chitry.
The last vineyard near the commune is Chablis. It is particularly known for the AOC Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru, Premier Cru and Petit Chablis. You will thus have many places to visit the cellars near Auxerre.
Visits of cellars near Auxerre, good addresses to be privileged
Are you tempted by a wine tasting near Auxerre? Stop by the Cave du Maître de Poste in Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. This former stagecoach relay converted into a production area will surprise you. During the visit of this cellar near Auxerre, you will discover in a playful way the many processes used to obtain wine. The grape varieties used are those of the property.
In Pontigny, a short distance from Auxerre, you will find the Angst vineyard, which, thanks to its special terroir, offers a wide variety of drinks. During your visit, explanations will be given on the winemaking techniques.
Don't miss a visit to Pontigny Abbey. Wherever you go, you will be able to enjoy a wine tasting near Auxerre.